17/08/2026
"Teaching Practice Is Essential to Producing Competent Teachers and Improving Education in Lagos State", Says VC As LASUED Holds 2nd Teaching Practice Summit
In line with its commitment to being a leading Institution for Teacher Education in Lagos State, Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), under the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bidemi Bilkis Lafiaji-Okuneye, held the 2nd Teaching Practice Summit on Thursday, 13th August, 2026, at the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Hall, Oto/Ijanikin, Main Campus.
The summit, organised by the Directorate of Teaching Practice, was themed “Repositioning Teaching Practice Excellence: Strengthening Partnership for Quality Teacher Education in Lagos State.”
In her welcome address, the Vice Chancellor emphasised the importance of Teaching Practice as a vital component of Teacher Education, providing student-teachers with practical experience and professional competence.
She noted the changing nature of today’s learners and emphasised the need for teachers to adopt critical thinking, digital literacy, emotional intelligence, and inclusive practices.
Prof. Lafiaji-Okuneye highlighted the outstanding performance of over 60 student-teachers during the previous Teaching Practice exercise, who received commendations from their host schools for their performance and conduct. She called for stronger partnerships among the University, Schools, Government and other stakeholders, while urging student-teachers to demonstrate professionalism, integrity, innovation and commitment.
She also charged supervisors to maintain high professional standards through effective observation, assessment, guidance and constructive feedback, stressing that quality Teaching Practice is essential to producing competent teachers and improving education in Lagos State.
Also speaking at the summit, the Honourable Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, who doubled as Chairman of the Day, Mr Jamiu Tolani Ali-Balogun, described Teaching Practice as the critical link between theory and classroom practice, where student-teachers acquire practical teaching skills.
He called for stronger collaboration among Universities, Colleges of Education, schools, and Government Agencies, noting that teacher-training institutions must provide solid preparation, while schools should offer mentorship and practical experience. He also urged mentor teachers to serve as role models and provide proper guidance.
The Commissioner further stressed the importance of incorporating digital and inclusive education, as well as emerging technologies, into Teaching Practice to prepare teachers for a changing world.
He reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to investing in teacher education, infrastructure and instructional materials.
In the same vein, the Chairman of the Lagos State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) and Guest Speaker of the occasion, Mrs Perigrino Victoria Mopelola, described Teaching Practice as a collective responsibility requiring the commitment of Government, Universities, School management and student-teachers.
She urged schools to provide safe and supportive environments, while mentor teachers should offer guidance and professional assessment.
Mrs Mopelola encouraged student-teachers to approach the profession with dignity and an “unquenchable thirst to impart, learn, unlearn and re-learn.” She reiterated the Lagos State Government’s commitment to investing in teacher education, digital skills and instructional materials to develop world-class educators.
The Director, Directorate of Teaching Practice, Dr Akinkuotu Foluke Abimbola, disclosed that over 60 LASUED student-teachers were commended by partner schools following the 2025/2026 Teaching Practice Exercise for their innovation, pedagogy and exemplary conduct. She described the commendations as evidence that LASUED graduates are prepared to “dominate, innovate and lead” in the field of Education.
She charged student-teachers to be punctual, innovative and respectful in their host schools, while calling on stakeholders to strengthen partnerships towards securing a brighter future for education in Lagos State.
The summit featured contributions from Dr Olufunke Idowu Oyetola, Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, Education District I, represented by Prof. Ajetunmobi Rasheed O.; Mr Hassan Dauda Abiodun, Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, Education District V; and the Lagos State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comr. Hassan Akintola Mujeeb.
Members of the University Management, staff and students also attended the summit, while the vote of thanks was delivered by the University Librarian, Prof. Abayomi Imam.